Two Grows Uprooted in Arcata and McKinleyville – September 17, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

HCSO Press Release

ARCATA/McKINLEYVILLE – On Monday, Sept. 17 at about 7:45 a.m., the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Arcata Police Department and the United States Marshall’s Office served two search warrants that were associated with each other.

The first search warrant was served at a residence located in the 1900 block of Upper Bay Road, Arcata. Officers located a commercial indoor marijuana growing operation inside of the residence. Officers seized 771 growing marijuana plants that ranged in size from four inches to four feet.

Hugh Alan Liles

Officers seized three pounds of processed marijuana along with $2,300 dollars in cash for possible asset forfeiture from inside of the residence. It appeared that no one lived at the residence and it was being used only to cultivate marijuana commercially.

The second search warrant was served at the same time as the Upper Bay Road location at a residence located in the 2500 block of Kelly Avenue, McKinleyville. Officers located a subject at that residence, who the identified as Hugh Alan Liles, 57. Officers located an indoor marijuana growing operation in the unattached garage next to the residence.

Officers seized 145 growing marijuana plants that were all about four feet in height. Officers located $57,000 that was hidden in the attic of the residence for possible asset forfeiture. Officers located a pint glass jar in the residence that appeared to contain Psilocybin Mushrooms.

Officers learned in their investigation that Liles was responsible for the indoor marijuana cultivation at the residence located on Upper Bay Road along with his residence located on Kelly Avenue.

Liles was arrested for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana and for possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms. Liles was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $ 25,000.

Officers noticed a possible fire hazard with the electrical wiring from the indoor marijuana growing operation at both locations. Officers then contacted Humboldt County Building and Planning Department who responded to the two residences. After inspecting the electrical wiring, Humboldt County Building and Planning Department determined that there was a fire hazard. PG&E was then contacted to have the electrical service turned off to the residences.

This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.